Patapsco 2020 Graduate Killed in Crash


Maryland State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash in which one person died and another was injured early Tuesday morning in Anne Arundel County.

Shortly before 4:15 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Glen Burnie Barrack responded to a single-vehicle crash on northbound MD 295 at West Nursery Road in Linthicum Heights. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2018 Toyota Camry was traveling in in the left lane, when for unknown reasons, the driver failed to maintain control of the vehicle, drove off to the right grassy portion of the roadway and struck a tree. Both the driver and passenger were wearing seatbelt at the time of crash.

The driver of the Toyota, a 19-year-old male, was transported by ambulance to Shock Trauma in Baltimore for treatment of his injuries. The passenger of the vehicle, Sean Ruffin, 19, of Dundalk was pronounced deceased at the scene by Anne Arundel County EMS personnel.

Ruffin is a 2020 gradate of Patapsco High Center for the Arts. According to the Patapsco Patriots Football Facebook page, Ruffin was a 4 year member of the Patapsco Football Program, a Captain for both the JV and Varsity teams, who started at both Wide Receiver and Defensive back for the Patriots.

Sean was the type of kid every coach loves to have apart of their program, always knew the perfect time to crack a joke, but also knew when it was time to strap up and get to work. Sean’s coaches and teammates will always cherish the moments & memories shared during their time together and hold them close to their hearts,” said a statement on the page.

“The Patapsco Football program sends our deepest condolences to Sean’s family, friends, and loved ones during this tragic time.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Eastern Tech Student Earns $40,000 Scholarship


Munachiso Nkeonye-Mbaekwe, a senior at Eastern Technical High School, thought she was invited to appear on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on March 31 to talk about college admissions during the pandemic. So she and the 24 other featured students were surprised to learn the real reason for their participation in the live segment: that they were among the 27 students selected to receive $40,000 College Board Opportunity Scholarships.

Nkeonye-Mbaekwe and the other students were selected from a pool of students who completed The College Board’s six college planning steps: building a college list, practicing for the SAT, exploring scholarships, strengthening their college list, completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and applying to colleges. As part of the program, drawings for $500 scholarships are held for the completion of each of the six steps.

Nkeonye-Mbaekwe is enrolled in Eastern Tech’s Academy of Health Professions/Allied Health Magnet Program.

“Our Academy of Health Professions/Allied Health curriculum is one of the most challenging magnet programs that we offer,” said school counselor Donna Murphy. “Through her participation in this program, Munachiso has gained a wealth of knowledge about the medical field, exploring the body and distinguishing between diseases and disorders that affect various body systems. She is OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] 10-hour HealthCare-certified as well as American Heart Association HealthCare Provider BLS/CPR [Basic Life Support/ Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation] and First Aid-certified.”

Active in her school, community, and church, and a caregiver in her family, Nkeonye-Mbaekwe is a member of the African Student Association, Latin Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Step Squad, and a mentor for Grade 9 students.

“Munachiso actively pursues opportunities to engage in service and learning in the community,” Murphy added. During summer 2019, Nkeonye-Mbaekwe earned an internship with the REAP (Research & Engineering Apprenticeship) Program at Morgan State University.

The College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is open to students in the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, regardless of citizenship status. U.S. citizens and residents attending Department of Defense Education Activity schools abroad may also participate.

This program is open to students regardless of their family income. At least half of all scholarships (more than $2 million) will be designated for students whose families earn less than $60,000 a year. Whenever students who meet these requirements complete a step, they earn an extra entry in monthly drawings for scholarships.

OLH/SL Spring Carnival Returns to Dundalk


After being forced to shutdown in 2020 because of COVID-19, Our Lady of Hope & St. Luke Parishes announced the return of their annual spring carnival to the Dundalk area.

The event will return to its usual spot at the Our Lady of Hope fields on Lynch Road near Wise Avenue. It will be held for two weekends (six days) from Friday, April 3 to Sunday, May 2 and again on Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 9, but face masks and social distancing are required.

We are excited to welcome you back to our annual spring carnival featuring rides & amusements from Shaw & Sons and a variety of dining offerings from local food trucks,” said a statement on the OLH/SL Spring Carnival Facebook page

“This year’s event will look a little different as we have adjusted our format to ensure public health & safety guidelines are met. Masks are required and social distancing is encouraged wherever possible.”

Baltimore County to Hold Spring Restaurant Week


In the latest effort to support Baltimore County’s restaurant and hospitality industry, County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced Baltimore County’s first Spring Restaurant Week will be held from April 16- May 2.

For the first time, Baltimore County Restaurant Week deals and special menu items at more than 50 participating establishments will expand to include dine-in, takeout, or curbside pick-up to provide flexible, safe options for residents.

“We are excited to partner with our local restaurants to bring back this beloved Baltimore County tradition in an innovative, new way,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We’re encouraging the residents of Baltimore County and beyond to come out and support our hard-hit restaurant community—whether it’s trying something new or returning to an old favorite—and to take full advantage of these options to dine safely and comfortably.”

To continue to prioritize the recovery of our local restaurant partners, all registration fees required for participation in this year’s promotion have been waived.

Baltimore County Restaurant Week allows diners to discover new restaurants or old favorites at a discounted price. All Baltimore County restaurants must follow the County’s COVID-19 restrictions and CDC guidelines.

Participating restaurants, menus and special deals will be updated regularly on the Author eastbaltcoPosted on Categories Business Matters, NewsTags

Youtube Channel Profiles Golden Ring Mall


-photo courtesy of YouTube-

There is a YouTube channel that profiles the history of local malls in the region.

One of the malls featured is the former Golden Ring Mall in the Rossville area.

The mall opened in the 70s and closed in 2001. The mall’s old location has been the current home of The Centre at Golden Ring shopping center since its opening in 2002.

The video details the popularity of Golden Ring in the 1980s and early 90s as it housed the only movie theater in the area.

Then it is explained that the opening of Towsontown Mall in 1992 and the opening of the movie theater at The Avenue White Marsh in 1997 as a reason for the decline of Golden Ring.

I agreed with that assessment but felt that the creation of Campbell Boulevard also hurt Golden Ring.

The only way to get from Golden Ring to White Marsh Mall in the early 90s was to drive on the fast paced I-95. Once Campbell was built, motorists could drive safely from Golden Ring on Philadelphia Road to Campbell to White Marsh Mall.

The video was a nice trip down memory lane. I was hoping the author would have posted some old videos from inside the mall and had more original photos.

Some of the photos included the ironic Montgomery Wards photo and an outdoor picture of the old Stewarts from the highway.

I have seen many of these photos on social media, but it is probably difficult to find original photos of the old mall.

It is worth a view.

Two Adults and A Child Shot in Overlea


Baltimore County Police reported three people were shot in Rosedale last night.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday night, patrol officers responded to the scene of a triple shooting in the 5500 block of Lanham Way in Rosedale. Officers found three people suffering from gunshot wounds.

All three victims were transported to the hospital; two of the victims later died as a result of their injuries.

42-year-old Nyatiaha Faltz
19-year-old Grantley Herbert
8-year-old (non-fatal injury)

An initial investigation indicates this shooting stemmed from an argument that occurred during a family gathering.

Homicide detectives are actively conducting their investigation at this time. If you have any information about this case, please call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

Middle River Man Arrested for Shooting Roommate


Baltimore County Police reported that 36-year-old Samuel Charles Davis is charged with attempted first-degree murder and other charges after shooting his roommate, a 30-year-old man.

The victim was transported to a local hospital after being shot in the lower body by Davis following an argument in the 1500 block of Aldeney Avenue in Middle River just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30. Davis remained at the location and was arrested when officers arrived.

Davis is held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status pending a bail review hearing.

Three Men Fatally Shot in Essex ; One Self-Inflicted


Baltimore County Police report a preliminary investigation reveals 27-year-old Joshua Green shot three people at the Royal Farms along Middleborough Road in Essex just before 7:00 a.m. Sunday, March 28. Two victims were pronounced deceased on the scene and one is recovering at a local hospital.

According to detectives, the suspect left the store and returned home where he set his apartment on fire. Police later found him outside his apartment complex deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Detectives traveled to the home of the suspect’s parents where they discovered the two deceased; both individuals appeared to have been shot.

Detectives say all three incidents are connected and they are not searching for any additional suspects in connection to these three incidents.

Local Schools Lose to Football Powerhouses

Kenwood & Chesapeake Pick Up Wins


Three of the area schools (Eastern Tech, Perry Hall and Dundalk) came up short on the road over the weekend against three powerhouse football schools. Kenwood bounced back with a nice win and Chesapeake won their first game of the year. Patapsco fell to 1-2.

Hereford 15 Perry Hall 6
Perry Hall had not allowed a point in their first two games against Catonsville and Eastern Tech, but the Gators fell to 2-1 after a road loss against Hereford.

Milford Mill 38 Dundalk 14
The Owls got off to a 2-0 start with wins over Patapsco and Kenwood, but suffered their first loss of the season at Milford Mill. The Milford Mill Athletic Twitter page reported that Dundalk trailed 20-6 at the half, Milford Mill went on a 18-8 run for the 38-14 win.

Franklin 40 Eastern Tech 13
The Mavericks were looking to bounce back after a shutout loss to Perry Hall, but had go on the road to face two-time state champion Franklin. Tech lost 40-13 and is now 1-2.

Kenwood 44 Western Tech 0
The Bluebirds were looking for a win after getting shutout 19-0 last game against Dundalk. Kenwood delivered a shutout of their own at home against Western Tech. Kenwood plays at Milford Mill on April 9.
“Bounced back and took care of business on a short week,” said a statement on the teams Twitter page. “Now two weeks to prepare for the next test, this one will definitely show us who we REALLY are. One way or the other.”

Woodlawn 14 Patapsco 6
After winning their first game of the year at Chesapeake last week, Patapsco was looking to improve to 2-1 on the year but loss against Woodlawn.

Chesapeake 14 Lansdowne 8
Chesapeake received their first win of the year at Lansdowne. The Baltimore Sun reported the Bayhawks won the game on a Hail Mary at the end of the game.

Arrest Made in Gray Place Stabbing in Dundalk


Baltimore County Police reported that 36-year-old Bobby Lee Pittman Jr. of Eurith Avenue in Baltimore City faces criminal charges for the Dundalk domestic related stabbing that occurred in the 1600 block of Gray Place on on March 23.

Officers found a victim female at the location suffering from multiple stab wounds to her upper body. She was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Pittman is charged with attempted first degree murder, first and second degree assault and is held on no bond status pending a bail review hearing.